To all my followers and supports, I sincerely want to say “THANK YOU” for helping me realize my dream of writing/blogging. This is a huge step forward! May God Bless You All!

Sincerely & Respectfully,

Charlotte 🌻

Welcome March 3rd, 2020

My friends, I learned something new today and want to share it with you. I love learning new things! There’s a part of me that is somewhat embarrassed to admit I had not noticed or learned this previously since I have been involved in church my entire life. It is also satisfying that I can be humbled to accept and learn new things. As I was reading Rev. Sam McGlothlin’s words today, she pointed out that Jesus had added a word to a similar and familiar verse in the Old Testament. It’s one word but a very important word. Below is one verse from the Old Testament written by Moses in Deuteronomy and three similar verses from the New Testament written by Matthew, Mark and Luke.

Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 6:5, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”

Jesus said these words in Matthew 22:37, “He (Jesus) said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Jesus said these words in Luke 10:27, “He (Jesus) answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus said these words in Mark 12:29-30, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.”

Were you able to see the difference in the verses in the New Testament compared to the one verse in the Old Testament?

Jesus added the word “MIND.” This makes me think that Jesus wanted us to pay close attention to our minds, especially what we fill it with. In the world today our minds are constantly being bombarded with stuff! It seems everything is vying to get us to notice them. We can rarely escape its power, it’s on TV, radio, the internet, billboards, bumper stickers, pamphlets, junk emails, regular emails, all sources of social media and even snail mail. Lent is a perfect time to take some time for quiet reflection on the things we allow to permeate into our minds and into our thoughts.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word Mind as:

• the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons

The mind is very powerful and we should take careful steps to ensure we are feeding it in the healthiest of ways.

Rev. Sam McGlothlin offers this suggestion, for 24 hours fast from the devices in your life that distract you from loving God with all your MIND. Recover what you keep missing.

I decided about 5 years ago, maybe longer to give my prized 42” TV away! I felt like I was spending entirely too much of my time watching shows that I had taped/DVR’d. I still like TV and I have a few shows I watch online. I have an iPad mini and an iPhone that I watch things on. During Advent and now during Lent my TV show viewing is minimal and it’s so rewarding to spending time reading and learning. I have also intentionally been more social and interactive within my church and socializing with friends. These steps are helping me to grow into the person God created me to be.

Friends, I’m so very thankful for your support and spending some of your time in this space. Blessings to you! 🙏🏻🌻

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mind

Wishing you a beautiful Tuesday! The Photo Word of the Day is Enter.

I love this photo! It is simply breathtaking. The sun entering the day! I took this early on a Sunday morning as I was preparing to go to church. It was a gorgeous reminder of God’s unfailing love. That morning was cold and brisk but the sun warmed my heart💛

“From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.”

~Psalm 113:3

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, so that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?”

~Job 38:12-13

C. S. Lewis-

“To enter heaven is to become more human than you ever succeeded in being on earth; to enter hell is to be banished from humanity.” (The Problem of Pain)

“They Open A Door And Enter A World” (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe)

Let the Light Enter

BY FRANCES ELLEN WATKINS HARPER

The Dying Words of Goethe“

Light! more light! the shadows deepen,
And my life is ebbing low,
Throw the windows widely open:
Light! more light! before I go.

“Softly let the balmy sunshine
Play around my dying bed,
E’er the dimly lighted valley
I with lonely feet must tread.

“Light! more light! for Death is weaving
Shadows ‘round my waning sight,
And I fain would gaze upon him
Through a stream of earthly light.”

Not for greater gifts of genius;
Not for thoughts more grandly bright,
All the dying poet whispers
Is a prayer for light, more light.

Heeds he not the gathered laurels,
Fading slowly from his sight;
All the poet’s aspirations
Centre in that prayer for light.

Gracious Saviour, when life’s day-dreams
Melt and vanish from the sight,
May our dim and longing vision
Then be blessed with light, more light.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/topical/e/entering.htm

https://www.goodreads.com/

C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1)

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had the weekend you wished for! This is a new week and Praise God from whom all Blessings flow. Amen! 🙏🏻

Today, try to find ten minutes you can give yourself to just “be.” Close your eyes and imagine the wilderness that is your life. Is it calm? Is it a raging storm? Perhaps a volcano or avalanche of sorts. As you see yourself are you able to see others that are traveling with you, supporting you or mere companions on the journey? After reading my devotional today, I began to recall some of my dark wilderness experiences and when I look very closely I was never alone. God has always provided in times of need. Some individuals are still prominent in my life while others have drifted away. I have no doubt they are continuing to help others because that’s what they do, it is their gift. I have been extremely blessed with caring and compassionate people in my life. I’m thankful for the time we had together and the memories that were made. Memories that will be forever in my heart. I often reminisce about my friends I grew up with and the shenanigans we got into. My college days are the fondest of all. People who drastically changed my life in ways I never imagined. I have one friend I know I can always lean on, she befriended me at a time in my life when I was clearly clueless of the world around me. We have maintained a friendship that mirrors family through more decades than we want to admit. I don’t think she truly knows just how rare of a friend she really is. I’ve always loved this poem, it speaks volumes about the impact that people have in others lives.

*Photo: Indianapolis, IN

Breathe, Relax. Rest assure that God is always with you. Recover.

“We must do the work on our own, but not without the comfort of our fellow travelers nearby.” -Rev. Sam McGlothin

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

The Sanctuary for Lent 2020 by Sam McGlothin

Hi! It’s Monday, March 2nd, 2020!

Thank you for taking time to read my blog post today! I appreciate your support and I pray that you experience God is a special and unique way today!

Signs is the photo word of the day.

I chuckled as I picked this photo out to use. It is from my trip to Walt Disney World a year ago. As I looked at this photo trying to somehow convince myself it was ok to use it even though it doesn’t really relate to God and Lent. But that’s when God opened my eyes and mind. Let me just say this, my interpretation and insight from God may be difficult for some to grasp and that’s completely ok. I love Disney World for a multitude of reasons and that’s why I picked this particular photo. If you been to WDW during the past decade or so you will most likely be familiar with FP (fast passes), it began with being able to get tickets for specific rides and return at a designated time and not have to stand in long lines. It can now be done online with a special WDW app on your smartphones! *https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/fast-pass-plus/product-description/

Forgive me, my brain went totally WDW, total distraction!

Back to “signs” I re-read the words in the photo, “stand-by” for what exactly? Life is truly about standing in line for all types of things, (grocery store, banks, gas stations, movie tickets, etc). With today’s technology we have found ways to get around these long lines, in a word “fast passes” or something similar. There’s no right or wrong in getting things quicker or easier. People can now escape lines at restaurants and fast food simply by using apps such as doordash or grubhub.

What about your personal relationship with God? Would a fast-pass work for you or would you prefer the stand-by line. I have to say the stand-by line works best for me. I definitely don’t want any short-cuts to salvation. God wants our “whole self” nothing less. Oh don’t misunderstand me, even our wholeness is less than best because we are in fact human. God is pleased by less than perfect when we make the attempt with all we have and fail in the process, rather than us not trying at all and failing. Not trying and failing is worse than failure, it’s prideful and arrogant to say the least.

Matthew 12:38-40

“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth.”

Signs can be found throughout the Bible. Recognizing God’s Will in our lives can at times be interpreted as signs. When we are in constant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit will help guide us towards God’s will. I’m staying in the stand-by line and listening for God’s Will.

~Matthew 22:37

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Galatians 5:19-23

“Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.”

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte

References:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/fast-pass-plus/product-description/

https://www.doordash.com/

https://www.grubhub.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Greeting & Happy March 1st, 2020!

Celebrate is Lent photo for today! 📸

Usage of the word celebrate in the Bible (NRSV)

“They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” ~Psalm 145:7

“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.” ~Luke 15:22-24

“This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.” ~Exodus 12:14

“Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” ~1 Corinthians 5:8

I’ve always loved celebrating my birthday with family and friends. I look forward to it year after year. Age is just a number, for me it about being thankful for what I have been blessed with and I want to share my birthday with people who love me. When I was a kid my mom always made a big deal about birthday’s, mine and my brothers. I have pictures of a huge cake and all my cousins were there to celebrate! What beautiful memories. Celebrations, in my opinion should be often and shared. Celebrate life, celebrate friendship, celebrate whatever…most importantly always invite God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit along, we are nothing without them!

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~John 14:6

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” ~2 Corinthians 13:13

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Blessings to everyone on this first Sunday of Lent 2020. Today is Sunday, March 1st, 2020, only 19 days until Spring! 🌷🌼🌸

The verse for today is taken from the book of Matthew where he writes the story of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Are you currently in the wilderness or perhaps emerged from a wilderness? Life is a wilderness if only metaphorically speaking. We people decide to trek their way through an actual wilderness the most important thing they do is plan for possible obstacles and/or situations. They prepare for the worst, to ensure safety and survival. Life is the same way, we want to be prepared. This is why we send children to pre-preschool, preschool, regular school, and provide opportunities for continued education whether it be college or job skills/trade opportunities. We are fascinated with learning though some might deny it thinking things like, my kid just plays video games or plays music all day…I would agree that a job of some sort is relative but to play video games successfully takes skills, a set of skills actually. And music, it’s more than liking an instrument, it takes commitment and practice to actual play the instrument and make music.

Feeling as if you’re in a wilderness can evoke many emotions but I want to remind you that we are never alone. Though at times, we may feel alone. God promises to always be with us. Thinking about Jesus in the wilderness and the circumstance in which he was tempted by the devil, I cannot imagine. Jesus had been drive to the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, then Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. To say he was famished would be an understatement! It was then in this weakened state, the devil appears and begins to ask Jesus questions. If I go more than 24 hours without food I’m delirious! Jesus though He was hungry and tired, weak and probably a little cranky , resisted the devils trickery statements and loaded questions. He did not give into the devil. My personal thought is that Jesus trusted and relied upon His Father for strength. Jesus asks no less from us, right? Jesus is the Great teacher and the lesson I’ve learned from Jesus being tempted is to trust in God and His word. Jesus didn’t need trickery to outwit the devil. He quoted scripture and spoke truth. We know that Jesus had the power to overtake the devil at any time throughout their interaction but at what cost. What a huge lesson can be learned if we are willing to see it…Jesus did not need brute force to dispute the devils claims, Jesus did not have to prove who he was, he simply stated the obvious truth. In the end, the devil simply left because his tricks and smooth talking manipulative tongue lost.

As we continue our journey are there things that could be lost, recover, and rediscovered about by facing demons instead of fleeing from them? Remember, you are not alone and God has a host of angels watching over you.

Practice:

What do you need to face instead of flee?

1. One way to find out is to map out the last month.

2. Write down 5 significant moments.

3. If you were to draw a terrain of your last month, would it be mountainous, a flowing river or a deep woods?

dark forest wallpapers background | Forest wallpaper, Forest path

Prayer:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.” Amen. ~Psalm 23:1-6

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below. 

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🙏🏻🌻

References:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_4:11

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.abingdonpress.com/

The Sanctuary for Lent 2020 by Sam McGlothlin

Happy Saturday to all my friend near and far away! Today is Saturday, February 29th, 2020. It is also a special day, today is Leap Day! This extraordinary day only happens every 4 years, so 2020 will have 366 days instead of the usually 365. Happy Birthday to all those celebrating a unique Birthday Celebration!

“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” ~Psalm 51:15-17

The “BLAME” game, have you heard of it? What about “SCAPEGOAT” is that a term you are familiar with? After reading my devotional today, I decided to do some research and in the process learned a lot about the origin of “scapegoat” as it relates to scripture. It is a Jewish ritual used in the Old Testament and can be found in Leviticus 16:1-34.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Leviticus%2016:1-34&version=NRSV

Merriam-Webster: SCAPEGOAT

• a goat upon whose head are symbolically placed the sins of the people after which he is sent into the wilderness in the biblical ceremony for Yom Kippur

• one that bears the blame for others

• one that is the object of irrational hostility

During this first week of Lent, the focus has been on REPENT. Repentance is key to a full and rich relationship with God. We must come before God in prayer taking responsibility for our actions and turn away from our sinful ways. We cannot blame others for our mistakes. We cannot sacrifice the innocence of others to purify ourselves. God does not want us to sacrifice life but to live a life pleasing to Him. It is the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross that makes it possible for us to have life and to live it abundantly. It is God’s Grace and God’s Mercy that makes it possible for us to be in relationship with the God of all creation. The Holy One! The question we must ask ourselves is this, “Does our hearts break for what breaks God’s?” We are called to repentance, so we may be cleansed of our sins and live a life pleasing to God. With a clean heart we are able to spread God’s love and sing praises to God, for He alone offers forgiveness and new life.

Stop the blame game! Stop blaming yourself and others. Seek forgiveness and renewal. Accept your humanness, not as a fault or abnormality but for its truth, you are a BELOVED child of God, created with intentionality and purpose. YOU MATTER! 💚

Read aloud Psalm 51:15-19, “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, pyou would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, then you will delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.”

In closing, the suggested practice for today is to let you know that God will never ask us to be a scapegoat – for our own faults or the faults of others. God simply wants our hearts to break for what breaks His.

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Leviticus 16:1-34: The Scapegoat Ritual

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Leviticus%2016:1-34&version=NRSV

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scapegoat

Happy Leap Day! It only happens every 4 years so enjoy the extra day of 2020.

Serve is the photo word of the day.

The word today is SERVE. In the picture, I wanted to express how I apply “serve” in my daily life. My mother passed away in 2012, and there’s not a day that goes by that I do not think about her. I thank God for her every day. I typically visit her gravesite at least once a month and take new flowers or trinkets to place at her stone. I know she’s not there, she’s in heaven but I find a special sense of peace when I’m there and I feel as if I’m in a very small way I’m caring and serving her the way I would if she were still here.

The next photo is a long table with a blue table cloth. This is from Pancakes & Jazz at my church on Fat Tuesday. It is an annual event at my church that benefits “Family Promise” an agency helping the homeless. I served by helping make the waffles! I also assisted in the clean-up following the event. Serving my church and community is so fulfilling.

The picture on the bottom left is of me speaking at the Disciples Women’s Conference in 2019, it was such an honor to serve God and the women in attendance.

The picture on the bottom right is from my church, a large cross on the wall in our chapel. It is so serene in that space. It has served me in many ways from classroom studies, Bible studies, prayer services, weddings, church meetings and quiet contemplation. The room has served me and in return I have served in it.

I love using the Merriam-Webster Dictionary when explaining word usage. Please know that it is not meant to diminish any one persons intellect, it is used solely to explain my usage and it’s correct usage.

Merriam-Webster: Serve

• to be a servant

• to be of use

• to be favorable, opportune, or convenient

• to wait on or help

• to give the service and respect due to

Here’s a few examples of “serve” in the Bible:

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” ~Mark 10:45

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” ~1 Peter 4:10

“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.” ~John 12:26

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” ~Galatians 5:13

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte🙏🏻

References:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

https://www.openbible.info/topics/serve

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Happy Friday, February 28th, 2020 Everyone!

What does it mean to repent? It’s more than saying you’re “sorry,” it should include saying the words, “I’m sorry” and “I will try to not do it again.” It’s the words being said, followed by the action of not doing it again. Let’s be honest, hard as we try most of us are repeat offenders of the smallest of things and sometimes bigger ones. Does this mean we lied? No, not at all. We are human and we are going to make mistakes and just because we sometimes fail, it doesn’t necessarily mean we didn’t try. News Flash!! God knows you and I are human. God knows were are fallible. God desires our obedience and also a relationship with us. God is a loving and forgiving God. He is a God that extends “Grace” and He disciplines those He loves. Accept God’s grace for yourself and extend grace to others as freely as God gives to you. Please know that I do not share this with you lightly, it’s hard. I struggle daily with accepting grace from God and from others. On the other hand, I find it extremely easy to extend grace to others. I am learning the benefits of accepting grace and the benefits of it towards healing. I trust God and know He loves me and I’m trying every day to be the person He created me to be. We are all God’s children and He loves you and me. ♥️

“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts.” ~Hebrews 12:5b-6

“My child, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” ~Proverbs 3:11-12

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that they power of Christ may dwell in me.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9

“The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” ~John 1:17

“But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” ~James 4:6

In closing the writer (Rev. Sam McGothlin) of the pamphlet I’m reading for Lent offers the following suggestion or practice:

• Turn your head or your body to the left.

• Ask God to help you see and confess what hinders you from extending grace to yourself and to others.

• Turn your head or your body to the right.

• Ask God to help you accept your humanity.

• Close the practice by reading Psalm 51:10-14 out loud as a prayer.

Thank you for traveling this Lenten journey with me. ❣️

ειρήνη – “Peace” in Greek, reference listed below.

~Peace~ειρήνη~Charlotte 🙏🏻

References:

https://biblehub.com/greek/1515.htm

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://rachelheldevans.com/blog/grace-doctrine

https://www.abingdonpress.com/